A brutal attack unfolded in Green Bay, Wisconsin, leaving two people gravely injured and exposing a complex immigration case. David Joel Herrera-Garcia, 24, now faces attempted murder and aggravated assault charges following a violent break-in and machete assault at his ex-girlfriend’s home.
Police arriving at the scene on April 20th discovered a horrifying tableau: blood leading to the house and two victims suffering severe wounds. The 23-year-old female victim identified Herrera-Garcia as her attacker, leading to his subsequent arrest. Officers immediately applied tourniquets, rushing both individuals to the hospital for emergency treatment.
The female victim sustained a head injury alongside deep lacerations to her hand and neck. A male victim, whose age remains undisclosed, suffered significant wounds to his shoulder, forearm, and shin. The scene painted a picture of savage violence, fueled by a personal dispute turned deadly.
However, the narrative took a sharp turn as details emerged regarding Herrera-Garcia’s immigration status. He is not, as some reports initially stated, simply a “Green Bay man.” He is, in fact, an illegal immigrant originally from Nicaragua.
Herrera-Garcia entered the United States illegally in Texas as a minor in 2019, accompanied by his father. Despite receiving a final order of removal in 2022 after failing to attend immigration hearings, he remained free. This was due to a decision made by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the final days of the previous administration.
ICE exercised “prosecutorial discretion,” designating Herrera-Garcia as a “non-enforcement priority.” This meant he was not taken into custody following a prior arrest for driving without a license. The decision allowed him to remain in the community, ultimately leading to the horrific attack.
An immigration detainer has now been lodged, requesting that the Brown County Jail transfer Herrera-Garcia to ICE custody for potential deportation. The case has ignited a debate about immigration policies and the prioritization of enforcement efforts.
The attacker allegedly used a key to gain entry into his ex-girlfriend’s home before unleashing the brutal assault, repeatedly striking both victims with a machete. The details reveal a calculated act of violence, born from a fractured relationship.
This incident adds fuel to the ongoing scrutiny of sanctuary policies across the nation, which limit cooperation with ICE. Critics argue that these policies create a haven for individuals who pose a threat to public safety, hindering law enforcement’s ability to protect communities.
The case underscores the complex interplay between immigration law, public safety, and the devastating consequences when enforcement priorities shift, leaving vulnerable individuals exposed to potential harm.
